Vanuatu Tourism Office

Guy Sebastian rocks Port Vila!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:17:26 +0100

All the newspapers in town are raving on about last weekend’s super show put on by Guy Sebastian on Saturday 27th and 28th February, at The Grand Hotel and Iririki Island Resort. In this week’s Vanuatu Infos, and the Vanuatu Daily, feedback has it that the shows were mind blowing and the audience look forward to his second trip back to Port Vila, which Guy, who is currently making it big in the US hit charts, plans on returning for another gig, after 3 to 4 months in “The Big Apple”. Guy Sebastian’s shows were made possible, with compliments by Grand Hotel & Casino, and Iririki Island Resort.

VTO rep in US and North America recaps on February

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:13:39 +0100

Even for a quiet month in February, VTO’s U.S and North America representative Sue Herrick, has been keeping busy with exciting plans and preparations for Beneath the Sea dive expo, liaising with new dive operators keen to include Vanuatu in their worldwide offerings, making sales calls with Air Pacific representative in California to find potential new sellers for Vanuatu, one high end wholesaler in particular who sells snorkel trips around the world with great potential for Vanuatu, and meeting new educational operators focusing on dive, snorkel and reef preservation. Sue’s recent report reveals that an agent who travelled to Vanuatu on the US Group Agents famil in November last year, with Sue, has recently confirmed a group booking for 2011 as a result of the visit. Sue continues to see diving as a key market from the U.S. and the emphasis on this will undoubtedly help Espiritu Santo Tourism Association with the connection of SS Calvin Coolidge. To further embellish the importance of diving in Vanuatu and the global recognition it deserves, Sue is pleased to announce that her working with the members of the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame has finally propelled Allan Power into being a nominee for induction into the organization, recognized as the “father” of the Coolidge.

This fosters for further exposure of the destination to a prestigious community of divers worldwide. Sue is currently working with a journalist who is pitching a story for Islands Magazine, likely to feature the development of new properties, which continue to elevate Vanuatu to a higher level of accommodation range for the top end market.

If given the assignment, the travel writer will be promoting this end of the market possibly with an additional storyline on family or adventure travel. Sue will be meeting the journalist in California next week to further discuss her itinerary.

Vanuatu Tourism first tourism weekly page launches in Daily Post this week

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:09:22 +0100

This week on Tuesday, VTO’s first weekly tourism page, under the Vanuatu Tourism Tribal Drum heading, was launched in Daily Post, opening with an official welcome by Annie Niatu, VTO General Manager. Mrs Niatu proudly introduced readers to the first edition of the weekly tourism page, and provided an insight on plans and preparations for Tok Tok Vanuatu 2010, including a mention on the current rebranding exercise from its early beginnings, involving both the Vanuatu and Australian government, to current progress and development stage. Also featured in the page was an update on last week’s maiden arrival of the Fred Olsen Balmoral cruise boat and Event Logic’s aim to pull in new travellers with their all new and exciting events calendar. The VTO asks everyone in the Tourism Industry to email us your news updates and be part of this fantastic collaboration between the VTO and Vanuatu Daily Post.

VTO attends Auckland Flight Centre show

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:05:54 +0100

The Vanuatu Tourism Office, represented by the VTO rep in New Zealand, Ms Jacquie Carson, and its Senior Information Officer Ms. Brenda Andre, attended the Auckland Flight Centre trade show in New Zealand from 13th to 14th February. Vanuatu was present with other pacific islands, showcasing the destination with colorful displays and a great team of industry members from Air Vanuatu NZ, Poppy’s on the Lagoon & The Havannah, Le Lagon Resort, Mangoes Resort, Grand Hotel & Iririki Island Resort, and the Vanuatu Tourism Office. Other regional islands promoting their tourism products were Fiji, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Solomon Islands and Niue. The tradeshow took place in Auckland’s ASB showground, opening from 10am to 4 pm with the team from Flight Centre, onsite to book instant holidays for New Zealanders and other nationalities convinced to take a fiesta in the pacific islands.

During the tradeshow, there were approximately 16,000 visitors who walked through the premises to discover the wide range of holiday options available in the south pacific, and since the trade fair coincided with the Chinese New Year festivals, which was scheduled on the same weekend and venue, this added to the busy traffic of visitors to the event.

The Vanuatu booth ran on a roster to give all its delegates equal opportunity to meet and talk to all visitors enquiring at the booth. According to Ms Andre, the common questions asked during the tradeshow were what holiday activities & tours are available in Vanuatu, including the range of accommodations, what Air Vanuatu and Air New Zealand flight packages and specials are currently on offer, how long does it take to fly from Auckland to Port Vila, which became a pleasant surprise to many regarding the close proximity compared to other destinations, and when is the best time or season to travel to Vanuatu.

Intentions to grab a holiday in Vanuatu was high especially amongst cruise visitors who recently cruised to Vanuatu, sampled Port Vila and the outer islands, and are now yearning to return and experience the destination. General feedback confirmed that there has been a number of bookings to Vanuatu, generated during the 2 days trade fair.

VTO Santo participates in New Castle Travel Show

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:51:45 +0100

Donald Garae, an information officer for VTO based in Santo, was in New Castle, Australia, last weekend attending his first trade show. The expo was held at West’s Leagues Club, in Lampton on Sunday 28th March from 9am to 4.30pm. Two other Pacific island participants were Samoa and Fiji, including other global and international companies within the travel industry such as Emirates Travel and Airline, Canada Tourism, and more. Donald commented that many of the visitors who have been to Vanuatu recapped on fond memories of the destination and the people, encouraging families and friends to travel to Vanuatu for a holiday. Donald reported that the popular questions asked were what type of accommodations and tours are available, including flights, dining, and holiday packages. Donald states that this being his first expo he’s attended, the New Castle Travel Show has been an eye opening experience to see how countries come together to market themselves as a holiday destination.

Wests New Lambton, venue of the Newcastle Travel Show.

VTO joins with the Daily Post in developing 'What To Do In Vanuatu' and Tourism Tuesdays

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:58:01 +0100

Vanuatu's popular tourism newspaper, What To Do In Vanuatu, will become the official monthly newspaper and mouthpiece of the Vanuatu Tourism Office in an exciting new development that will revolutionise the way Vanuatu tourism is promoted overseas. Trading Post Ltd, who publish the Daily Paper, have been running successful tourism guides since 1993 with Hapi Tumas Long Vanuatu, then Discover Vanuatu and now What To Do In Vanuatu. Under the new agreement between Daily Post publisher Marc Neil - Jones and the VTO, What To Do will be redesigned with a new masthead and 8 out of 16 pages will be in full colour. In addition, the VTO will be tying in a weekly Tourism Tuesday page in the Daily to keep the industry and general public informed on what is happening in the tourism industry developments. This exciting new collaboration between VTO and the Daily Post will expose the destination further as for the first time ever, a Vanuatu tourism newspaper will be available to download as a PDF file on the internet through the Vanuatu Tourism website www.vanuatu.travel , Vanuatu Hotels www.vanuatu-hotels.vu and the Daily Post www.dailypost.vu which are all increasing in online popularity.

Links to the What To Do in Vanuatu PDF will be emailed by the VTO to anyone involved in selling and promoting the destination abroad, and any other interested person advising them where to download the paper. Travel agents will be asked to forward copies of the paper on to anyone who purchases a ticket to come to Vanuatu so they can use it as a quick guide, making What To Do In Vanuatu a premier marketing tool for Vanuatu.

There will be 5000 hard copies printed monthly and distributed to all visitors via the VTO as well as a downloadable PDF copy in the websites mentioned. The What To Do will also have, as highlights, redesigned guides for accommodation, tours, shopping, and dining. A relaunch of the first issue under this new agreement is scheduled to be printed and distributed in the second week of March. Industry members are asked to contact the VTO with their latest news for inclusion, and the Daily Post advertising to reserve advertising space which runs on a first come first served basis.

There is only limited space available. For more information, email whattodo@dailypost.vu to reserve your space or call +678 5544111.

Fred Olsen Balmoral arrives in Port Vila

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:27:02 +0100

An elegant and high quality cruise boat, The Fred. Olsen Balmoral, weighing 45,000 tonnes and carrying 1300 senior passengers, with 600 crew members, arrived in Port Vila this week. The Balmoral is sister ship to Black Watch, Black Prince & Braemar, and the Boudicca which altogether form the Fred. Olsen Cruise Line fleet, originating from the UK. The Fred. Olsen offers 5 different types of cruise holiday experiences. Around warmer months, the Fred. Olsen Cruises takes its route on Med cruises, Canary Island cruises, Scandinavia cruises and Baltic, and Fjords cruises. In winter, Fred. Olsen sails from the UK, down to the Caribbean, South America, and through the Pacific islands. Before reaching Vanuatu, the Balmoral visited Hawaii, Western Samoa, Fiji, and New Caledonia.

Guy Sebastian and Angel Strings live at Grand Hotel and Iririki this weekend!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:18:12 +0100

The Grand Hotel and Iririki Island Resort will be hosting Guy Sebastian, who is just finishing up his live tour and in a few weeks is relocating to the United States to further his music career, and Angel Strings who also flying in for the same weekend and have played for some of the world’s best artists and singer including Celine Dion, Andreas Bocelli as well as more modern artists like rapper Kanye West and the likes. Angel Strings play the whole range from classical to rock, and pop music. The Grand Hotel advised that Guy Sebastien has agreed at the last minute to come over to Port Vila and put on a couple of shows before he leaves Australia's shores. Port Vila is extremely fortunate to get both high calibre artists and band, so don't miss out as the opportunity probably won't come again, courtesy of the Grand Hotel and Iririki. There will be 3 big events over 3 days starting from tonight.

This evening, Angel Strings will do a short set up in Hemisphere bar during our regular happy hour before performing a full free performance downstairs in Crystals Restaurant over dinner. Tomorrow night, for the true music lovers, Guy Sebastian is doing a stripped down unplugged performance in a very up close and intimate atmosphere in Crystals for fans and general, and on Sunday the big event is over on Iririki Island with "Symphony under the Stars" starting at 5pm.

Hosts and organizers are asking everyone to bring along a picnic blanket or rug and make your way to the grassy greenbelt directly below Sunset Lagoon Pools looking out over the ocean and Ifira Island. If it rains on the day, the gig will move into the Michener's Restaurant / Bali Hai complex on the adults-only side of the island, but kids will still be welcome for the concert. Angel Strings will open with their edgy interpretations of modern and classical music, then Guy Sebastian will follow.

For more information, contact Mack on mack@jupiters.com.vu or call The Grand on +678 28882.

Event Logic aims to pull in new travellers with events calendar

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:10:13 +0100

Two respected members of the tourism community, Troy Spann and Zeak Smith, who are owners of the all new local Outdoor Event Tourism Management, Event Logic, are putting their good reputation behind a series of events in a 10 month calendar of outdoor events, aimed to entice active new travellers to Vanuatu and at the same time involve the locals with exciting developments in sports and adventure tourism. Event Logic is a divisional arm of Edge (Vanuatu) Ltd renowned for its abseiling tour at the Mele Cascades. One of Event Logic’s big starter is the first ever Vanuatu Adventure Race which is set to take place from the 21st to the 23rd of August. Adventure Races are becoming the world’s fastest growing sport which has multiple activities taking place which is normally trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, and more.

Open invitations have been sent out and to date, Troy has confirmed 20 teams out of the maximum 50, that are locked in for the Vanuatu Adventure Race. These teams are from Tasmania, Victoria, the ACT, New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, and Washington State in the US. A squad from New Caledonia has also shown their intention to enter and several local teams in Port Vila have indicated their interest and are awaiting registration process.

Event Logic also has the VTO support this year to run what was the Round Island Relay, now re-named the Vanuatu Relay, which will be held on the 25th of July. There are three international teams already booked in. The lady behind those entrants has been fund raising for Tanna Communities and is also sponsoring an all girl Tanna team, who she will fly up to Efate for the event.

Other events lined up in the future pending sponsorship include outrigger canoe race, cross country run, car rally, round island bike race, triathlon, multi-sport, ocean kayaking challenge.

If you’re interested to partake in the Adventure Race or want to enquire further on any of the events, feel free to contact Troy Spann on +(678) 7753153. Email troy@edgevanuatu.com

Resumption of Santo Non-Stop Service

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:27:53 +0100

Air Vanuatu has announced the airline will be resuming their Santo international service on 29 March 2010. The two month suspension has allowed management to reschedule services in an attempt to make the route profitable. Air Vanuatu acknowledges the support of the Espiritu Santo Tourism Association and the Vanuatu Hotels and Resorts Association for their efforts to return the direct flight to service and their commitment to better market Santo as a destination. In order for the Santo direct flight to be successful, it is imperative the Santo tourism and business community support the flight through their own marketing initiatives. Air Vanuatu is working with the Government of Vanuatu to seek financial assistance for the Santo direct flight. Acting Chief Executive Officer Joseph Laloyer said the return of the direct flight was the result of the government, ESTA, VHRA and Air Vanuatu agreeing to work together with the aim of the flight increasing its load and profitability in the next 12 months. Air Vanuatu will be promoting the Santo flight with our wholesale partners in Australia in New Zealand and expects strong support from the Santo business community to make the flight viable for all parties.

Aquamarine touching new waters for Vanuatu in Europe and America

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:23:24 +0100

Press release: Aquamarine’s owner/director, Danish Syed is back in action with doing what he does best; marketing. The last few months Danish has worked on establishing key relationships for the diving and travel industry. Danish has rekindled old/stagnant relationships and started new ones worldwide. He has also worked hard with publishers and editors from all over to world to bring some valuable press to Vanuatu and the diving industry. In the first half of the 2010, Vanuatu will get publicity in US, Canada, UK, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Sweden, Iceland, Brazil and a bunch of South American countries through various print magazine articles, TV talk shows and online publications. In the last couple months Danish has established relationships with wholesalers in Poland, UK, US, Canada and Finland, which should be beneficial for all businesses in Port Vila and Santo. The thing we are all most excited about is Aquamarine’s initiative in working with a Global Australian wholesaler to sell combined destination itineraries, where guest will travel to Australia from the US and visit Vanuatu on their way back home to the US. Danish would like to thank VTO and all the resorts that have helped him put up the guest he has brough to the Island. If anyone has any questions about the details of the press releases please feel free to contact Danish. His email is danish@aquamarinesanto.com.

Pacific Maestro leads entertainment for Pacific Pavilion

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:12:59 +0100

South Pacific Travel media release 15 February: Award winning composer Igelese Ete today officially signed the contract as the Entertainment Manager for the Pacific Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The Pacific Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai will be the third largest pavilion after China and the 40 country African pavilion. Measuring over 8,400 square metres, the pavilion will host 15 Pacific Island countries as well as a combined booth featuring the South Pacific Tourism Organisation and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Exhibitions by Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Tonga, Micronesia, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue and Tahiti will showcase the diverse beauty of the Pacific region. The event promises to be one of the greatest ever with 70 million visitors expected to pass through its’ gates when it opens on the 1st of May 2010. Igelese Ete will manage the 15 member country entertainment programme for the Pacific Pavilion and, the Pacific entertainment programme at the Oceania Square at Expo 2010. The Pacific entertainers will take part in street parades and perform at the public Oceania Square at Expo. The World Expo in Shanghai will take place from May 1st to October 31st this year. The Pacific Pavilion Director, Ms Bernadette Rounds Ganilau said “we are honoured and proud to have our own Pacific star lead the entertainment for the Pacific.

His genius musical gifts saw him headhunted a week ago by a Hollywood director, Jonathon Kay, of a new film documentary involving the voices of A-list Hollywood Actors such as Whoopi Goldberg (Sister Act) Gerald Butler (300) Megan Fox (Transformers) Kate Winslett (Titanic) - “Na Na’ia – ‘The Legend of the Dolphins” to compose an original composition for one of the scenes of this documentary. We are proud he has come on board this Expo project and we look forward to working with him in Shanghai”, Ms Ganilau said.

In signing the contract, Ete said, “I am very excited and again humbled by the offer, and will do my utmost to inspire, empower, and educate the world through our rich pacific cultural heritage”. Acting CEO of South Pacific Tourism Organisation, Mr Andrew Nihopara said “the involvement of the award winning musical genius would be a great opportunity for the Pacific as many visitors to the Pacific Pavilion in Shanghai would be attracted for the purpose of witnessing the inspiring Pacific traditional & cultural entertainment led by Igelese Ete”. End 15th February 2010.

Further information: contact emorrel@spto.org

Beachfront Resort, Espiritu Santo, room upgrades

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:56:40 +0100

Press Release19 February 2010: Beachfront Resort, on the northern Vanuatu island of Espiritu Santo, is proud to announce the renovation of the first of the six original fares built at the resort. It brings it up to the high standard of our other 17 recently constructed rooms. Now with an elevated pitched Natangora roof and retaining just the original walls, the room has been completely refurbished with as much sustainable, local materials as possible. The upgrade includes new floor tiles, bathroom, furniture and with the added benefit of air conditioning. With views over the lawns and ocean and completely self contained, it’s the perfect place to stay for that holiday break, or the business traveler in town for a few days.

Close to town but away from the noise and traffic. As part of our ongoing, vigorous tourism development programme, that includes our new reception and office complex, plus swimming pool, we’ll renovate the remaining 5 rooms over the next few months.

For more information, contact Dave Cross on (678) 36 911. Email DaveCross@TheBeachfrontResort.com . Visit Beachfront Resort on www.TheBeachfrontResort.com

VTO busy in tradeshows and expos

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:49:06 +0100

In a quieter first quarter of the year, VTO and colleagues within the industry will be busy attending trade fairs and expos to promote the destination in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Europe, and China. Like the beginning of every year, this is an exciting time for the industry and VTO to team up in tradeshows and achieve a common interest by promoting what Vanuatu offers for a special holiday experience, to establish new markets and encourage more tourists to visit the destination. Upcoming trade shows include the Noumea TokTok, the flight centre shows in Sydney, Wellington, Auckland, Melbourne, Christchurch, Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle, AIME, and Sydney Travel Expo, ITB Berlin, PATA, Adventure Travel & Backpackers Expo, Beneath The Sea - US Dive Travel Show, BFTE, and Shanghai World Expo in China. Contact the Vanuatu Tourism Office for more information.

Nalawan Festival to be hosted in August

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:08:10 +0100

The third Nalawan festival will commence on the 11th August, and like every year, it is a favourite attraction for the yachties, cruise guests, as well as communities on Malekula. This year, the festival will firstly take place at Labo Village, then Lembinwan Village, and lastly Ten Stick Island in south west Malekula .The Nalawan marks the start of a new season in the traditional calendar and includes grade- taking ceremonies, spectacular custom dances, pig killing, the ancient Noho ritual with offerings to the gods of the land and much more. During the days leading up to the festival, there will be cultural events held at the Lembinwan Yacht Club, as well as snorkeling at the nearby Ten Stick Island, and in the large Marine Protected Area at Labo Village which makes the snorkeling excellent. Guests will be accommodated at Alo Lodge in Wintua Village. For more information, contact Yegor Makhiboroda on phone (678) 5617845 or Mr. Willie Isno Tourism Chairman for Labo Tourism Committee (678) 5366168. Additional information, including festival program, can be obtained from the cultural events listing here.

Article on Vanuatu in Barista Magazine

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:03:04 +0100

On the 4th of February 2010, American Barista & Coffee School’s Matt Milleto sent his article to the VTO, and barista 2009 organizers, which he wrote about his experiences during his trip to Barista Vanuatu last year. The article is published in Barista Magazine on page 60-63, which can be read here http://baristamagazine.epubxpress.com/bam1 . Matt also has several other follow up stories which he is currently working on, planned for Barista Exchange, as well as a blog for the website Coffee Review about coffee in Vanuatu. Matt and Kylene would like to acknowledge the organizers and hosts of Barista 2009 for a fantastic event, and they hope to return for another barista bash.

‘Anyone for Aniwa’ features in Air Vanuatu Island Spirit

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:56:34 +0100

Clare Sketcher and her family came to Vanuatu for a Christmas holiday break, and were smitten by how idyllic, unhurried, and intriguing their home island for Christmas and New Years, Aniwa, and its community turned out. In her words, Clare finds the real Vanuatu down south, and writes about the unforgettable experiences of a tropical escapade. Making new friends on the island, caused some difficulty during departure. Read Clare’s story here.

Tanna offers mountain biking and hire

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:48:53 +0100

Visitors on Tanna can go mountain biking on the island. It is now possible with a newly opened biking company, Tanna Mountain Biking and Hire which is locally owned by Thomas Belden and currently operating 4 bikes, with a ship load on its way. Thomas has an office at Lolo Second Hand Shop in Lenakel town, where tourists can purchase a tour, and hire bikes, including at Jungle Oasis. The idea of setting up the company dawned on Thomas after meeting with bungalow and accommodation owners on Tanna. They advised that their guests have begun to frequently ask about biking tours and hiring bikes on the island. This then triggered the idea of initiating a unique activity to cater for guests who want to bike around the island at their own time, meeting, and talking to locals. Bike Hiring opened three weeks ago and so far, Thomas has had several bookings already, and the numbers are expected to grow. Tourists have biked around Lenakel town, up to the volcano, and a couple has done a half island route and the other half on the next day. Jungle Oasis works closely with Thomas to store bikes overnight and have guests transported back to their bungalows, when requested. Biking tours on offer are Volcano visits, Picnic Lunch, and Full day biking. For more information, contact Thomas Belden on phone +678 7793800 or +678 5386271.

Ocean Blue launches new website

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:40:15 +0100

Ocean Blue newsletter February 2010: Ocean Blue has just recently launched a new website, featuring new layout, interactive features, price lists for all trips, an integrated video channel, brand new photo galleries, an updated blog, and more. Ocean Blue’s website now allows viewers to compare trips side by side, and has all the information anglers need to plan their next fishing adventure. The company is currently offering a 4 days package of fishing Espiritu Santo’s pristine waters for Vanuatu’s premier sport and gamefish, ideally for Sportfishing & jigging enthusiasts, where anglers can target dogtooth tuna over remote seamounts, and many other pelagics. Visit www.oceanbluefishing.com.au

National Geographic Channel to feature the South Pacific

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:34:07 +0100

South Pacific Travel media release 11 February: The beauty and splendor of the Pacific Islands will be featured on the National Geographic Chanel throughout Asia on 6 TV channels in the month of April. The partnership between the South Pacific Tourism Organisation based in Suva, Fiji and the National Geographic Channel will see key attractions of the Pacific being featured on Asian TV Channels such as the National Geographic Hong Kong, Xing King China, National Geographic China block – Global Geographic, Channel V China, and Chinese Movies Hong Kong channels. The opportunity will highlight and feature the South Pacific islands to a global audience which will ultimately draw the attention of interested travelers. “With the Shanghai World Expo ready to open its doors on May the 1st, we see this as an excellent opportunity to showcase to China & Asia what the South Pacific has to offer”, said Mr Andrew Nihopara, Acting CEO of South Pacific Tourism Organisation. All the Pacific islands countries will be represented at the Shanghai World Expo under one umbrella, the Pacific Pavilion.

“This initiative with the National Geographic Channel will not only assist us in attracting visitors to the Pacific Pavilion from China & Asia, but it will provide the necessary exposure our South Pacific islands require, to capture a global audience and future visitors to the South Pacific,” Mr Nihopara said. The National Geographic Channel spots throughout April will include attractive photo shoots of the naturally beautiful islands, its resources and the people of the South Pacific.